Been to WDW, Going to DL--Help!!

[wdwcoltsfan]

Hi All! I'm new to this board. We have always gone to WDW, but now we are looking at taking a trip to DL next July. I had forgotten how overwhelming it can be to start planning for a vacation you're not familiar with! I have a few questions--

1. What are the perks of staying onsite at DL? We always stay onsite at WDW, but wondered how it compared to DL?

2. Are there normally discounts for rooms/tickets? We have APs for DW, so I know it can be hit or miss. I'm just curious as to the trends for summer.

3. We are also going to the Grand Canyon. What would be the best area to stay in? We don't want our drive to be longer than it has to be, so I thought maybe someone could help me with an area to focus on. I know this isn't DL, but I was hoping I could get some info.

I'm sure I'll have more questions pop up, but I'll stick with these for now. I know these questions are probably redundant for you, but everytime I tried to search I had trouble finding info for DL instead of WDW.

Thanks!


Rachel

 

[bouncy54]

I would begin with the sticky at the very top of this board...(HydroGuys Tips Compilation)

You'll find a wealth of information in there.

 

[WDW4us2006]

Hi there,

We just returned from our first DLR visit, and I, too, have been to WDW several times and always stay onsite. I figured I would stay onsite at DLR as well, mostly because I know automatically that I will be surrounded by the "Disney magic" that I love about staying onsite at WDW. I had read many posts about how that is not necessary at DLR since even the hotels on Harbor Blvd. are closer to the parks than the DLH, but I wasn't looking for proximity, I wanted to get that immersion feeling I always get from staying onsite at WDW. I was not disappointed.

My expectations were pretty low to begin with, as I have been hearing for years how DL is not the same, it's smaller, it's in the middle of a city, etc., etc. I guess I expected to be walking around DL and being able to see a Burger King sign outside the gates or something, I dont' know..... However, that is not what I found at all. DL is unbelieveably charming and I loved it just as much as the Magic Kingdom. We stayed for three nights at the Disneyland Hotel, which I absolutely loved. The pool is fantastic, the grounds are lush and well maintained, and the rooms, gift shop, lobby, and amenities would put it in the 'deluxe' cat. at WDW in my opinion. There are many choices for snacks, drinks and dining, and it is decorated in such a way that you could never forget you are at Disney! Several years ago, they added Downtown Disney, which is literally right outside of the DLH. You walk by the pool, keep on walking through DTD, and you are at the gates to DL and CA. About a 7 min. walk, or you can hop on the monorail in about 3 minutes. For two full days, I never left the resort, and I totally 100% felt like I could be in WDW. It far exceeded my expectations, and I would go back again in a second. If you want to be surrounded by that Disney feeling 24/7, I would stay onsite. Also, you are eligible for early entry during the four days it is offered. You will also be eligible if you have a 3 day PH pass. I would STRONGLY encourage you to take part in EE when you are there, as the parks will surely be crowded and you can do alot in that one hour.

Now, I can totally understand why someone wouldn't want to do that: proximity and cost. Although many of the hotels outside the gate are a bit closer, it's only by a couple of minutes or so. However, the cost can be a big factor. We got a AAA rate of $233 per night plus tax for a standard view at the DLH this August. We were upgraded for free to a pool view. So, that's about what you might be spending next year if you have AAA. Other people will be able to give you more info about discounts and special packages, although July is park of peak season, I believe. If cost is a factor, there are definitely much cheaper options and there are some really nice places just outside the park.

This is all just my opinion. I am sure you will get lots of responses with advice that will suit you and your family well.

I will be flying out to the grand canyon next week for a convention in Las Vegas, so if there is anything you want me to check out for you, I would be happy to.

Hope this helps, and happy planning!

 

[wdwcoltsfan]

WDW4us--Thanks for the insight. We are looking for the "total" disney experience. I think that's why we always stay onsite. I'm happy to hear positive things about DLH since that's where I've been looking. It will be neat to have everything so close together. That's not something we are used to!

Bouncy54-Thanks for the tip on the link. It looks like it has a ton of information.


Rachel

 

[daannzzz]

Just south of the Grand Canyopn Park entrance is a town called Tusayan. There are several motels there. The drive into the park is about 15 minutes.

 

[wdwcoltsfan]

Just south of the Grand Canyopn Park entrance is a town called Tusayan. There are several motels there. The drive into the park is about 15 minutes.

Thank You! I will check this out!


Rachel

 

[Hound 109]

Good for you, ColtsFan.

I was hoping you would post over here. After reading HydroGuy's tips, you'll have alot better feel for DLR.

I agree with the poster who recommends the DLH, if you're used to WDW hotels & want to do it "right" go ahead and pick one of the 3 DLR hotels. The other bonus is EE (with the poster mentioned). EE is very important (imo) in the summertime & should be factored in prior to making reservations & plans. (EE is Mon, Tue, Thurs, & Sat)

Also, if you want a more GF or WL experience & money is no object, look at the GCH. Beautiful hotel with the added bonus of being adjacent to the DCA park.

By now I hope you have printed HydroGuy's abreviation sheet & have it handy, because you're gonna need it for planning.

Have fun planning a trip to Walt's Park.

hound -

 

[daannzzz]

Thank You! I will check this out!


Rachel

I just checked to see if the hotel we stayed in was still there (we were there in 2002) with the same name. It is called The Grand Hotel. It is just a motel with indoor corridors but a medium amenity motel. Much nicer than a Motel 6. It was a fine place to stay.
http://the-grand-hotel-grand-canyon.pacificahost.com/

 

[CoolPool]

Just arrived home today from DLR. I'm a WDW person despite living only one hour or so from DLR. I had booked 2 nights at DL Hotel because we love the immersion feeling of WDW and wanted to reproduce it here to see if that made DLR more interesting for us. Also I got an AP rate which made the hotel more competitive against other 4 star hotels in the area. (I'm not a motel person.) Upshot: we extended our visit by one night. First, we loved the hotel. Second, we loved the Neverland Pool and slide. Third, there is more to do in the parks than before and my kids have reached the age where they can fully enjoy it.

Last night we watched the fireworks from our beds on the 8th floor facing the DL. It was a marvelous end to a terrific short 3 nite trip.

As good as a trip to WDW without the 5 hour flight!

 

[wdwcoltsfan]

I love hearing all the great replies! It makes me even more excited than I already am!

Hound--I did have to make a list of the abbreviations. Some are just different enough that I felt completely out of the loop. I think I'm starting to get the hang of it now. Thanks!


Rachel

 

[DisneyDotty]

How exciting! We went to DL for the first time back in December '05 (also been to WDW many times) and fell in LOVE! The magic in DL is palpable.
We stayed at DLH too, and loved the quick walk from there (through DTD--which is most excellent!) to the parks.
Also loved Goofy's Kitchen--best character meal, ever. Mad Hatter sat down at our table for a good five minutes--maybe longer. Chip (or was it Dale?) drew us a picture. Loved it.
We went in December, so the fireworks show followed by the snow on Main Street was beautiful.
We took a tour of DL our first night--maybe something to the effect of "Walk in Walt's Footsteps?" Great tour--gave us a good feel for DL.
We loved DL so much, we're planning a return for Thanksgiving.
Happy planning, and have a great trip!